U.S. Resident Sheds American Life for Bali Due to Disillusionment with Conscience-Ridden Individuals in Her Home Country
American Retiree Finds New Purpose in Bali's Embracing Culture
Victoria Kjos, a 71-year-old American, has traded the desert heat of Phoenix, Arizona for the tropical paradise of Bali, Indonesia. In 2022, she made the move motivated by a desire for a more relaxed lifestyle, drawn to Bali's consistent warm weather and lower cost of living compared to the US.
Kjos, an avowed introvert, finds herself socializing less in Bali than she did in the US, which suits her just fine. She now spends her days exploring the island's natural beauty, visiting cultural sites, and indulging in local spa treatments.
Her home in Sanur, a coastal town in Bali, is a modern, gated house with traditional Balinese-style sliding glass front doors and high ceilings. The pleasant climate means she hasn't needed warm clothing for three years.
Kjos's life in Bali revolves around ceremonies, a testament to the family-oriented culture she admires. She has visited Bali's Mother Temple and the temple complex known as the "Mother Temple of Bali," Besakih.
Kjos spent six months on a "spiritual journey" around India in 2012, visiting temples, meditation caves, and gardens, and practicing chanting, yoga, and meditation. This spiritual journey seems to have carried over into her life in Bali, as she finds a sense of peace and contentment in her new surroundings.
Despite the move, Kjos has not ruled out moving elsewhere. She describes herself as a "vagabond" and concedes that she hasn't ruled out moving again. However, for now, she feels a strong connection to the Balinese people and her friends are mainly locals.
Kjos's money goes further in Bali, allowing her to afford luxuries such as food delivery and catering that were previously less accessible in the US. She plans to convert her retirement visa to a KITAP visa, or permanent stay permit card, within the next two years.
However, she does miss simple things about living in the US, such as being able to do all of her shopping in one place. Kjos has also had a few spills on Balinese roads while getting around via motorscooter, but she accepts this as part of the lifestyle.
Kjos's move to Bali has been a transformative experience. From a structured, government role to a leisurely, culturally enriched existence, she has found a new purpose in Bali's natural beauty and local rhythms. Despite the challenges, she does not see herself returning to America.
[1] This paragraph is a summary of the first paragraph and is not necessary in the article. It could be removed for a more concise piece.
- Victoria Kjos, drawn to Bali's warm weather and lower cost of living, has found a new interest in health-and-wellness through local spa treatments and exploring the island's natural beauty.
- Kjos's home in Sanur, with its traditional Balinese-style doors and high ceilings, reflects her lifestyle in a locale that values home-and-garden aesthetics.
- In pursuit of personal-growth, Kjos frequently engages in meditation, chanting, and visiting cultural sites, showcasing her passion for education-and-self-development.
- While contending with the challenges of Balinese roads on a motorscooter, Kjos's move to Bali has inspired her to travel more extensively, potentially leading to future adventures in various global locales.
